1. Global Standards Organization (GS1)
The GS1 is a not-for-profit Standards Organization that maintains Global Barcode Specifications and provides unique identifiers. GS1 Offices are located in over 100 countries and offers single EAN Numbers, as well as blocks of EANs depending on how many are needed.
Benefits of using Global Standards Organization (GS1 US)
- EAN Numbers obtained directly from a GS1 Office are acceptable at any retailer in the world.
- EANs issued by a GS1 Office are registered to your company and cannot be used by anyone else.
- EANs assigned and maintained by the GS1 are available for ownership authentication using Verified by GS1.
- Your company is a member of the GS1 and will be notified of all changes to barcode standards which may impact the use of your barcodes.
Disadvantages of using Global Standards Organization (GS1 US)
- The cost of each EAN is determined by the total number of EANs needed. For companies needing thousands of EANs, the costs can be expensive.
- Companies needing more than 10 EANs are required to pay an annual fee to maintain GS1 Company Prefix.
- The process for obtaining and registering each EAN Number with the GS1 requires time and ongoing attention.
2. Third Party Resellers
Third Party Resellers are privately owned for profit companies that sell EAN Numbers which were originally assigned by the Uniform Code Council (UCC) before 2001.
- In 2001, the UCC became part of GS1 Global and the GS1 US instituted an annual fee to maintain Company Prefixes.
- Third Party Resellers responded by filing a Class Action lawsuit against the GS1. The case was decided by the US Supreme Court which ruled EANs assigned prior to 8/28/2002 were not subject to GS1 annual fees.
- Many large retailers, including Amazon, Wal Mart, Kroger, Target, The Home Depot and several others explicitly prohibit the use of EANs (and UPCs) obtained from Third Party Resellers.
Even though third-party Resellers won the right to sell EAN Numbers, it does not mean EANs from resellers are accepted by all retailers.
Benefits of using EAN Reseller
- Valid EAN numbers, inexpensive and readily available
- No annual renewal fees
- No registration or product upload data required.
Disadvantages of using EAN Reseller
- Amazon, Wal-Mart, Kroger, The Home Depot and several other retailers require EANs directly from the GS1.
- EANs purchased from a Third Party Reseller share a common Company Prefix and can be hijacked or used by another company.
- Many resellers are not reputable businesses who are aggressively trying to exploit companies needing EAN numbers.
Key things to consider when deciding if an EAN Reseller is a viable option
- Due to the lack of legal jurisdiction - there's no way to prevent EAN Numbers sold by a Third Party Reseller from being used by another company. Third Party Resellers’ assume no liability in the event someone uses the same EAN Number they sold to someone else.
- Amazon requires UPCs and EANs obtained directly from the GS1 and explicity states UPCs from a Third party reseller are not acceptable and may cause your entire Amazon Account to be suspended
- EANs from a Third Party Reseller are not registered with the GS1 to show ownership to your company. Only EANs obtained directly from a GS1 Office can be authenticated to your company using Verified by GS1.
3. Internally Assigned EAN Numbers
In accordance with GS1 Barcode Standards, EAN Numbers with a 04 as first 2 digits are internally assigned, and can only be used within the organization that assigned it.
Internally assigned EAN Numbers can only used within organization's own supply chain..
Benefits of using Internally Assigned EAN Numbers
- Zero Cost which means you can assign EANs for all SKUs
Disadvantages of using Internally Assigned EAN Numbers
- They are only valid for use within your own supply chain, and cannot be used by other stores, or distributors. Do not use internally assigned EANs outside of your organization